‘Partners’ feels dated

Two well-worn promotional hooks for new shows generally indicate weakness. One is, “From the makers of (fill in the name of the popular show) ...” The second has writers and creators say, “This is based on my real life.” The new sitcom “Partners” (7:30 p.m., CBS) is guilty on both counts.

‘‘Partners” mines comedy from the “bromance” between a straight architect, Joe (David Krumholtz), and his gay business partner, Louis (Michael Urie). They’ve been pals since they were kids and can practically finish each other’s sentences, even if Louis’ sentences tend toward the flamboyant, self-centered and stereotypical. The show is based on the professional partnership and friendship of David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, creators of “Will & Grace.”

Joe is a nervous type, and Louis is a slightly toned-down version of Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) from “Will & Grace.” Only he’s not as quick, biting or charming as Jack was — way back in 1998. Sophia Bush plays Ali, Joe’s way-too-beautiful girlfriend, and Brandon Routh is Wyatt, Louis’ simple but understanding boyfriend. Neither love interest is exactly side-splitting, so it’s safe to say that this “Will & Will” will not develop a comic quartet like Will, Grace, Jack and Karen.

Wyatt is a male nurse from a WASP background, but Louis tells everyone he’s dating a Jewish doctor. Joe and Louis also camouflage some of their sexual innuendo with Yiddish-isms. Between the doctor jokes and grandmotherly dialect, some of the dialogue seems as dated as the routines Eddie Cantor’s character performs on “Boardwalk Empire.” Bottom line: “Partners” breaks no new ground and is only sporadically funny.

Tonight’s season premieres

• Ted tries to calm Robin on her big day on “How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m., CBS).

• The new cast of “Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m., ABC) consists of old favorites.